Best Dispersed Camping near Pitkin, CO

Looking for the best Pitkin dispersed camping? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Colorado excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Pitkin, CO (114)

    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    1. Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    46 Photos
    371 Saves
    Gunnison, Colorado

    Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Overview Hartman Rocks Recreation Area includes over 14,000 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and 160 acres (The Base Area) owned and managed by The City of Gunnison, and Gunnison County. Hartman Rocks has 45 miles of singletrack trail, 45 miles of roads, 50 designated dispersed campsites, and countless climbing crags. Singletrack trails are perfect for mountain biking, dirt biking, hiking, and trail running. Roads are often traveled by 4x4 trucks, ROVs and ATVs. In the winter months, 16 miles of roads are groomed as cross-country ski trails for classic and skate skiing; and some single-track trails are groomed as winter singletrack for fat biking. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Field Office. Know Before You Go Camping There are 50 dry/primitive campsites available. All sites are first come, first serve. No fees. No hookups! No potable water or developed facilities. Need a Map? Hartman Rocks Recreation Area Map- Climbing, Bouldering, and Rock Climbing Areas Hartman Rocks Trail__Map Helpful Links Visit: Gunnison Field Office ADA Access: Sea of Sage, Lost Dog and Broken Shovel Trails are wide trails used by hand cycles. Accessible restrooms are located at The Base Area and at the intersection of BLM Roads 3505 and 3500.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    2. Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    14 Reviews
    21 Photos
    392 Saves
    Poncha Springs, Colorado
    • Electric Hookups
    • Dispersed
    • Market
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site

    3. Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site

    13 Reviews
    46 Photos
    559 Saves
    Nathrop, Colorado

    Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

    Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

    Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:

    In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 240 - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 240 - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 240 - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 240 - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 240 - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 240 - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping

    5. Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    44 Photos
    556 Saves
    Poncha Springs, Colorado

    Dispersed camping at the base of Mount Shavano outside Salida, CO.

    WARNING! Hikers descending from Tabequache should not descend into McCoy Gulch! This is a dangerous route and a number of climbers have been injured or killed.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    6. Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    27 Reviews
    132 Photos
    1299 Saves
    Aspen, Colorado

    There are 22 dispersed campsites for car camping along Lincoln Creek Road. High Clearance required and 4x4 recommended to access all campsites. All sites are first come first serve. No facilities such as toilets or water are available. Maximum 5 day stay limit.

    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

    7. Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    74 Photos
    1533 Saves
    Crested Butte, Colorado

    The Washington Gulch Trail #403 begins a quarter mile north of the Gothic Campground and ends when it intersects the Washington Gulch Road, FSR #811. The heads southeast with a few switchbacks and then parallels Rock Creek for approximately 1.5 miles. It then crosses the creek, turns south, and begins to climb in elevation. It comes to an end at Washington Gulch Road. This is a very scenic trail and makes a great day hike. It is also very popular with mountain bikers and campers.

    All roadside vehicle and tent campers are required to camp ONLY in designated sites:

    Sites are designated by the presence of a 6in X 6in wooden post with a site number and camping symbol along with a permanent metal fire ring. All sites are first come first serve, if a site is occupied please look for another site.

    Fires are only permitted in the established metal fire rings. Extinguish all fires so they are cold to the touch.

    Sites are limited to two vehicles only per site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping

    8. Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    73 Photos
    601 Saves
    Nathrop, Colorado

    The Browns Creek trail offers beautiful scenery with changing vistas and vegetation. The trail follows the stream and small waterfalls can be found along the way. The lower portion of the trail begins in primarily a Ponderosa pine environment and gradually moves into spruce/fir forest. At higher elevations the trail travels through pristine meadows that end at Brown's Lake. Camping is not permitted at the trailhead, in order to prevent erosion of the banks along Little Browns Creek. Campers are encouraged to find camp sites further south on County Road 272.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Winfield Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Winfield Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Winfield Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Winfield Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Winfield Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Winfield Camping Area
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Showing results 1-10 of 114 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Pitkin

360 Reviews of 114 Pitkin Campgrounds


  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 272 Dispersed Camping
    Dec. 7, 2024

    Forest Road 272 Dispersed Camping

    Spacious Mountain Views with a Few Cow Visitors

    Coordinates: 38.702830,-106.160280

    This dispersed camping area offers stunning mountain views, spacious sites perfect for large groups, and easy access to excellent hiking trails. The September weather was ideal—cool and crisp without being too cold. While the site feels fairly secluded, beware of grazing cows from local ranches that wander through; be sure to secure food and belongings you don’t want damaged. Dog owners should be mindful of cleanup, as cow and dog waste can be an issue. There are two porta-potties onsite that are cleaned weekly, but campers must pack out all their trash to maintain the area’s natural beauty. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot for those looking for a peaceful escape with plenty of room to spread out.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Lake Backpack Site
    Nov. 24, 2024

    Bear Lake Backpack Site

    Belle of Colorado @ Tourquoise Lake

    Originally quite nice, tent camping, clean area, nice sites, water available, bathrooms, and access to fishing. Weekends tend now to religious services... :( Been 4 times but now prefer less commercial/church interuptions. RV crud makes for noisy generators, bouncy houses, karaoke... :( Some people swim. Boating. Good perimeter trail, biking allowed.

  • Jordana P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful views and great privacy

    I stayed here for 1 night of car camping and will definitely go back. I only went about 4 miles in on the rocky/rutted road (vs the 5 miles that the directions say) and thought the sites were great. I stayed at a big site on the right with beautiful views and a fire ring. Aside from hearing some (maybe - not sure) coyotes at night, I wasn't aware of any other wildlife. I was in a 4Runner and my friend that I was with was driving a Highlander. As another poster commented, I saw a small sedan in one of the sites but wouldn't drive way out in anything but an SUV or truck. I have AT&T and had 2 bars of service.

  • Leah K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Overlook Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Twin Lakes Overlook Dispersed Camping

    Great Camping Spot

    This was a great camping spot. There are several campsites by the water and other campsites, not by the water. The campsites are kind of close together, but not terrible. I went early on a Friday and got a beautiful spot by the water. By the end of the day, all the sites around the water were full. So if that's important to you, be sure to get there early. There were still plenty of other gorgeous campsites, not by the water available all weekend. There are also hiking trails located here. One of which is called "Interlaken Trail." It's about a 5 mile hike total and takes you to a "Ghost Resort" called "Inter-Laken" that was abandoned around WW1. You can even go inside one of the buildings, and there are Historical Marker plaques that talk about the abandoned resort. The signal is great so I had cell service and data the entire time. Highly recommend!

  • Wendy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    Great views

    Lots of open spots in mid October. Slow going on rocky and bumpy dirt road but Chevy express 2wd did fine. Low clearance vehicles take extreme caution. Stayed in loop A, also a B&C.

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West

    Not Bad

    The road up to the campground is pretty rough for the first 100 ft or so but then it gets a lot better. Quite a bit of space but no privacy. I would definitely not suggest for large rvs. I’m in a van and didn’t have much problems at all.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Forest Road 130

    Beautiful open campsites

    We loved this campsite — still open in late September and already had a fire ring waiting for us. There were lots of dispersed spots right off the road and it was quiet and peaceful!

  • Silouan A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Dispersed Sites
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Slate River Dispersed Sites

    Great area, lots of available sites

    This is the go to place in this area. Just past Oh Be Joyful campground, there are a few miles of posted sites, fist come first serve.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FourMile Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 16, 2024

    FourMile Dispersed Camping

    Tiny But Convenient

    This dispersed camping area was extremely small but a convenient place to camp the night before summiting Sherman. It was a bit tricky to find/decipher what was dispersed and what was the intentional campground. Honestly not even sure if the place I found was the actual dispersed area. By other reviews left, it felt right to me. My friend and I car camped here, we had a quiet night. The neighbors were all very quiet and respectful of quiet hours and personal space. The vault toilet was extremely clean with no odor. I enjoyed the washboard road! During our time there were advisories for bear activity in the area.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    Lots of Options

    A lot of stuff if the road. I was pulling a popup trailer so we didn’t go too far up the road just in case it got choppy. Seemed like there is quite a few spaces. Talked to a few people who had been staying there for around a week.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed 2
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Washington Gulch Dispersed 2

    Nice sites and views

    I camped for 2 nights a few days apart in different sites. The first one was WG30 and it had an amazing view. I forgot to take note of the second one, but it was a little bit more down the road. Fire pits here which is nice. There’s a few spaces in the wide open and some nestled into some trees.

    Both nights that I stayed here there was a site that had a tent and table, but no one came back that night. Tuesday night and Friday night and nothing had changed. Kind of a bummer when someone snags a nice spot like that and isn’t there for multiple days.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hendricks Flat
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Hendricks Flat

    Beautiful little spot

    My friend and I are roadtripping around a couple states and found this cute little camp site!! There is no running water or toilets but we didn’t mind :)) absolutely gorgeous place!

  • Luke R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 8, 2024

    North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping

    Solid Camp Spot for early September

    My sister drove up from Denver Saturday morning. My daughter and I drove from Paonia and met her there. Road was bumpy but manageable in my Outback. Drove down the road and took a hike with the dogs. Great trail. Rained a little but it was not a big deal. Decent amount of traffic on the road throughout the day and into the evening. Really cool to be able to snag a spot around lunchtime on a Saturday.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shavano Mountain
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Shavano Mountain

    Amazing vistas

    Amazing vistas! Big private sites. Tough road that gets progressively technical as you go farther up towards trail head.

  • Emma H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 240 - Dispersed
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Road 240 - Dispersed

    mount shavano camping

    believe the reviews when they say the road to get to these campsites are ROCKY. i was able to get there in my hyundai santa fe but got nervous a couple of times. despite this, we found a campsite that had a little waterfall and fast flowing creek next to it. it was the perfect little spot. got cold at night but it was to be expected. access to a lot of hiking and if you continue driving up the rocky road, you’ll get to billings lake which was gorgeous.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Forest Road 130

    Labor Day Weekend

    We found huge spots spread far enough apart that you can’t see or hear neighbors on Labor Day weekend. Tried spots by Twin Lakes first but SO crowded. Close to Twin Lakes and Leadville. Bring your huge RVs cause this is the place for that.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Forest Road 130

    Nice stay close to Mt. Elbert

    This was a great stay which was close to Mt. Elbert. Many sites available as I came late around 9pm. Close to the town as well. I got there via the old trusty Honda Accord and pitched a tent.

  • Elsa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    bear country & peaceful quiet

    out of all the places I stayed this was the one I really thought I might encounter a bear but alas no bears. bear boxes & fire pits though! eerily quiet at times but overall very peaceful. struts did not love the road but very doable in my forester. there is an absolutely stunning punchbowl swimming spot right down the road heading towards Aspen. would stay here again for sure.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hayden Creek Roadside Camp

    great spot!

    This is a terrific find! level, shaded, right by nice size creek. perfect for exploring and quiet. we were in tent but saw several largeRV. some traffic but never heard another person. were a few spots right next to us but we were the only ones there . several a long road though nicely spaced out. small gas station close for gas and ice if needed otherwise about 45 min for supplies. ark river couple miles great spot to enjoy also rafting close etc.stayed couple extra days we just enjoyed the quiet. was also very clean and maintained. will definitely be back!



Guide to Pitkin

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pitkin, Colorado, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning mountain views and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Dispersed campers should check out Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

  • Hartman Rocks Recreation Area offers easy access to numerous camping spots, just a short drive from the entrance, making it convenient for those looking to set up camp quickly.
  • Campers can enjoy a variety of trails for hiking and biking, with excellent cell coverage for those who want to stay connected while enjoying the outdoors.
  • While there are no amenities like drinking water or electric hookups, the natural beauty and rock formations make it a worthwhile destination for a rugged camping experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Pitkin, Colorado

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during weekends, as popular areas like Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area can fill up quickly.
  • Be prepared for rough roads; many sites, such as Road 240 - Dispersed, require vehicles with good clearance due to rocky terrain.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles, as many dispersed sites, including Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site, lack trash disposal facilities.

Enjoy hiking and biking while free camping near Pitkin

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pitkin, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pitkin, CO is Hartman Rocks Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 19 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pitkin, CO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 114 dispersed camping locations near Pitkin, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.